26 Georgia artists selected by SCAD for art collection at new Mercedes-Benz Stadium

In November, SCAD partnered with the Atlanta Falcons and AMB Sports & Entertainment (AMBSE) to commission, acquire and install artwork and memorabilia throughout the two million square feet of Mercedes-Benz Stadium , the new home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United scheduled to open summer 2017.

Earlier this year, an open call for artists drew more than 600 entries. At present, 53 artists from around the globe will contribute artwork to the stadium collection — one of the largest public art displays in Atlanta — which will include two large sculptures at the stadium entrances.

"With the advent of this meticulously imagined, majestic arena, Atlanta will be known for the momentous vitality of bespoke public art that redefines the cool factor," said SCAD President and Founder, Paula Wallace. "The art of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is integral to its monumental design, and is accessible to everyone within the unrivaled grandeur of America's newest architectural landmark."

Inside the stadium concourse, work from the selected artists will support the themes and ideas that are important to fans, said Arthur M. Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. The 26 local artists chosen to contribute to the collection bring a sense of community, play, innovation and inspiration to their work and represent a range of mediums and aesthetic styles.

“So often (artists) go other places to show, but it always feels good to come home. Going to a football game is like a homecoming,” said Bailey. “This is about communicating with people and not just people who know a lot about art.”